‘I love Paris in the springtime,’ sang Ella Fitzgerald. In fact, Paris is beautiful to explore any season. But spring is the time to soak up that special ‘April in Paris’ charm that also Sinatra sung about so well. The city that inspired thousands of books and movies may be a treat in any season, but when the winter clouds lift and spring has truly sprung, it’s hard to beat the sun-kissed Paris. As you stroll its streets this season, wondering what to do in Paris, be sure to drop in on these must-see exhibitions!

Springtime in Paris — does anything sound more enticing? And while sticking indoors at an art gallery or museum might be the last thing on your list of things to do in Paris, these exhibitions you simply can’t miss.

In the Studio

Ever wonder what Jeff Koons’s studio looks like? Or what Pablo Picasso wore when he stood at his easel? Wonder no more: “In the Studio,” explores the enduring fascination with artists and their studios through an exhibition of more than 400 photographs of Piet Mondrian, Henri Matisse, and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres.

When? April 5 through July 17.
Where? Petit Palais.

Street Art

This May, famous street artist JR will create what is perhaps his most public – facing work yet — a wild photo collage that will cover I. M. Pei’s glass pyramid at the Louvre.

When? May 25 through June 27.
Where? Louvre.

Photographs By Seydou Keita

Women in bold-print dresses posed on a Vespa, a small boy in a beret with a bicycle, men hunched stiffly in military garb — photographer Seydou Keita’s portraits of the everyday citizens of his native Bamako, Mali, dating mainly from 1948 to 1962, created an indelible record of a society on the verge of independence. In the process, these luminous black-and-white images, which go on view at the Grand Palais at the end of the month, established Keita as one of the 20th century’s greatest lensmen.

When? March 31 through July 11.
Where? Grand Palais.

France is the world’s top tourist destination and for good reason. There’s a lot packed into just one country – artistic and architectural masterpieces, remarkable museums and natural landscapes… You always have a place to go or a thing to do in Paris, but in case you’re in the mood for indoors, make sure to visit these expositions!